Gemotions

Maya clutched the faded concert ticket in her sweaty palm, the paper crinkling under the pressure. The air in the park felt thick, suffocating. She’d always imagined meeting Alex, her online confidant, under different circumstances. Not like this, not after she'd revealed his secret.

He sat on the park bench, his back turned, shoulders slumped. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, failing to reach the dark space in her chest. She had to do something, anything. "Alex?" she called, her voice barely a whisper. He turned, his usually bright gaze clouded over.

She had to say something, but her throat felt constricted, making it difficult to breathe. He looked so vulnerable. A wave of regret washed over her, a bitter tide threatening to drown her in shame. She wanted to vanish.